2023 INSC 706 1
NON-REPORTABLE IN THE SUPREME COURT OF INDIA CRIMINAL/CIVIL ORIGINAL JURISDICTION WRIT PETITION (CRL.)
NO.
Suffice it to note that lives of judges, off the court, of late are also not entirely safe and secure.
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We are also conscious of the fact that lapses in court security have often occurred in court complexes despite such courts having modern security measures in place including CCTV cameras.
We are presently seized of a contempt petition filed by the petitioner arising out of alleged wilful and deliberate violation of this Court’s orders in Writ Petition (Criminal) No 99/2015, whereby various directions were issued by this Court related to the installation of CCTV cameras in court complexes. Since safety and security of stakeholders in the judicial process is non- negotiable, we deem it appropriate considering the aforesaid suggestions and having regard to the concerns and their larger ramifications which have been highlighted above, to lay down the following guidelines in the interest of justice in furtherance of the previous orders of this Court referred to above: Security Measures a) b)
The security plan may include proposal for setting up of permanent Court Security Unit(s) in each complex, indicating the strength and source of drawing of manpower including armed/unarmed personnel and supervisory officer(s) for each such unit, the minimum term and mode of deployment of such manpower, list of duties and additional financial benefits for such manpower, as may be offered to secure their willingness to serve in such Units, special modules for training and sensitizing such manpower in matters of Court security, and miscellaneous matters related to such Units; c) 6 f) Further, upon the finalisation of the security plan, the High Courts may entrust the responsibility of installation and maintenance of the CCTV cameras with the concerned District and Sessions Judges for a more realistic analysis of local requirements. In this regard, the courts may consider putting in place security measures such as deployment of adequate police personnel, security stickers for vehicles, frisking, metal detectors, baggage scanners, court-specific entry passes, and biometric devices to enhance overall security. Digitisation of Judicial Infrastructure: a)
This Court has, on multiple occasions, stressed the need for digitisation of judicial infrastructure, particularly at district levels. While we are not presently called upon to scrutinise the functioning of the court management system committees, we nonetheless deem it expedient to observe that the services of these committees could be of utility since it is court management which is under consideration. It is trite to mention that various High Courts and other court complexes have already in place several measures including installation of CCTV cameras at all tiers.
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Further, the High Courts shall ensure that periodic monthly reports are placed before the Chief Justice regarding availability of the measures and their updated status for timely corrective intervention.
RAVIN BHADRAT)………………,J.
Case Title: PRADYUMAN BISHT Vs. UNION OF INDIA (2023 INSC 706)
Case Number: W.P.(Crl.) No.-000099-000099 / 2015
